A lack of time and available money late last year prevented Congress from passing any substantial reforms to many of Medicare's antiquated policies, including the identification of licensed professional counselors as service providers. ACA and AMHCA have been pushing hard this year to make sure that Medicare's mental health benefit includes coverage of licensed professional counselors.
A lack of time and available money late last year prevented Congress from passing any substantial reforms to many of Medicare's antiquated policies, including the identification of licensed professional counselors as service providers. ACA and AMHCA have been pushing hard this year to make sure that Medicare's mental health benefit includes coverage of licensed professional counselors. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly likely that Congress will only be able to agree on a minimum reform package, leaving many important reforms left undone.
Congress will not pass Medicare coverage of counselors without your urging. Counselors are encouraged to contact their Senators and ask them to cosponsor S. 921, the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act. All Senate office can be reached by calling the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) and asking for the Senator's office. To identify your Senators, visit http://capwiz.com/counseling/home/.
Questions? Contact Peter Atlee at ACA: 800-347-6647, ext. 242 (patlee@counseling.org) or Beth Powell at AMHCA: 800-326-2642, ext. 105 (bpowell@amhca.org).